To George Sand: A Desire

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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THOU large-brained woman and large-hearted man,
Self-called George Sand ! whose soul, amid the lions
Of thy tumultuous senses, moans defiance
And answers roar for roar, as spirits can:
I would some mild miraculous thunder ran
Above the applauded circus, in appliance
Of thine own nobler nature's strength and science,
Drawing two pinions, white as wings of swan,
From thy strong shoulders, to amaze the place
With holier light ! that thou to woman's claim
And man's, mightst join beside the angel's grace
Of a pure genius sanctified from blame
Till child and maiden pressed to thine embrace
To kiss upon thy lips a stainless fame.

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Comments1
  • zakdrew8533577

    Just finished reading 'To George Sand: A Desire' again for my homework. I remember when I first read this poem, it puzzled and intrigued me. There's an intense beauty in the way it expresses fierce defiance and, at the same time, a longing for grace. It certainly feels like a unique tribute to George Sand, a person who boldly defied many norms of their time.